Mitsubishi Polyester Film has received the 2011 Sustainability Award from the Association of International Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL) for the Reprocess Sustainable Liner Recovery Program.

Mitsubishi Polyester Film is a major supplier of silicone coated PET films used in the pressure sensitive label market. The plant located in Greer, SC, USA, produces inline silicone treated release films, which become the dispensing liner for labels that are placed on consumer goods including beverage bottles and personal care products.

The Reprocess Sustainable Liner Recovery Program is a technological breakthrough that created the first-ever closed-loop sustainable recycling process for polyester release liners. This liner-to-liner recycling process yields Reprocess Sustainable Liners with recycled content. It diverts spent liner material from landfills as well as being exported for use in low-end applications.

“This award is a testament to Mitsubishi Polyester Film’s ongoing initiatives to promote environmental sustainability,” says Dennis Trice, Mitsubishi Polyester Film’s president and chief operating officer. “Furthermore, this award solidifies our position and commitment within the label and liner industry.”

The Sustainability Award is presented annually to companies that have demonstrated insight and innovation in equipment, materials or processes that reduce environmental impact, minimize energy usage or waste, and/or increase recycling.

“This program is establishing the cradle-to-grave solution that the labeling industry has been seeking,” says Marshall Ledbetter, the program project leader. “It is the first time a company has created a closed-loop sustainable recycling process for polyester release liners.”

Mitsubishi Polyester Film is actively collecting spent liner and will announce thecommercialization process during the second quarter.